Whether caused by a leaky roof, broken pipe, or a malfunctioning appliance, Be Happy Restoration understands that home or business flooding events are distressing, disruptive, and expensive. After an event, homeowners typically look to insurance to find out what is covered, and what is not.
Water damage is one of the most common issues homeowners encounter. According to the Insurance Information Institute, one in 50 insured homes make water damage claims each year. When it comes to water damage restoration, what homeowners insurance covers can be confusing. In short, homeowners insurance covers certain types of water damage if it is sudden and accidental but does not include damage caused by neglect, lack of maintenance, or flooding.
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What Does “Sudden and Accidental” Mean?
In insurance, an event could be covered if it was “sudden and accidental,” meaning it happened in a way that the homeowner could not predict or prevent. Events that are covered by insurance are called “perils.” As it relates to water damage restoration, most policies cover perils such as water discharge from a broken pipe or discharge from an air conditioning unit. A burst pipe for example would be sudden and accidental unless the homeowner did something to increase the likelihood of the pipe bursting or failed to fix a known problem leading to the pipe bursting.
Is It Covered?
Water damage coverage can be confusing. Homeowners' coverage typically covers water damage from roof leaks, broken pipes, and water damage as a result of extinguishing a fire. However, insurance covers these things if they are a result of a covered peril. Roof leaks, for example, may be covered if the leak is a wind-driven event because windstorms are typically a covered event. Water damage restoration from flooding may not be covered, however, because flooding is only covered by flood insurance.
Two Types of Insurance
If your home sustains sudden and accidental water damage, it is important to understand that there are two types of coverage that could help pay for water damage.
Dwelling coverage protects the structure. This coverage can help pay for water damage restoration such as replacing drywall or carpeting, but likely will not cover the cause of the flooding, like a broken pipe.
Next, personal property coverage can help cover the cost of items that have been damaged or destroyed by the water event. This could include things such as furniture, electronics, and other personal possessions.
What Insurance Does Not Cover
It is important to note that homeowners insurance does not cover fixing the source of water damage, such as a broken pipe, leaky faucet, or broken water heater. It only pays for the damage those things cause if it is a covered peril. So, if a pipe breaks and floods the home, it may cover replacing floors but the cost of fixing the broken pipe is on the homeowner. Because of this, it could be beneficial to get a home warranty program to cover such issues.
Why Working With Local Water Damage Restoration Experts is so Important
When a home or business suffers water damage, it is important to act fast. Water damage restoration experts quickly evaluate and document the property damage. Because they work with insurance companies regularly, they know how to ensure that insurance companies have the information they need for the swift execution of the claim.
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Water Damage Restoration Services Mesquite
Water damage events are stressful and costly. Working with an experienced restoration expert can help ensure you get as much covered as possible by insurance. If you are looking for water damage restoration services in or near Mesquite, TX, look no further than the area expert, Be Happy Restoration. The company can be reached by email at: jesseh@behappyrestorationservices.com or by phone at (214) 616-9951.
